As an introduction to model engineering, I have recently spent some time buliding a Stirling engine from a kit I bought from Greenweld.
I was quite pleased to be able to carry out all the necessay procedures and now have a model that turns very freely by hand. I tried to get it running with a meths burner but with no luck. After a few trials, I got it running with a block of ice on the cooler and a micro blow torch on the heat tube. It ran nicely for a few minutes until the silver solder melted and the (very hot) cap popped off and burned a hole in my workbench. Don't laugh - I haven't done this sort of thing before!! But it should run on a much lower temperature differential.
Has anyone ever built one of these kits and got it running? I have checked and re-checked the instructions and can't find what I have done wrong. If I disconnect the power piston from the flywheel and turn the engine by hand, there is only about 2mm movement of the piston. I would expect quite a lot more movement (10mm??) as this should be driving the engine. Any suggestions on where else to start looking???
Stewart Mansfield, Notts